CheckMyFishTank

Purple Firefish care

Nemateleotris decora · Saltwater · Intermediate level care

Purple Firefish, painted illustration

A pretty relative of the firefish with purple and yellow colors.

Smallest tank30 gallons
Adult size3.5 inches
Temperature75 to 80°F
pH8.1 to 8.4
GroupFine on its own
TemperamentPeaceful
SwimsMiddle of the tank
Lives3 to 5 years
Watch for: They jump when frightened, so use a tight lid and keep with calm tankmates.

Feeding

Twice a day. A small pinch they finish in about 2 minutes. Frozen mysis, brine shrimp, small marine pellets.

Jumps. Keep a tight lid on the tank.

Good tank mates

Fish that pass every check with Purple Firefish in a 60 gallon tank: same water, overlapping temperature, nobody gets eaten and no bullies.

Banggai CardinalfishBicolor BlennyClark's ClownfishGreen ChromisMidas BlennyNeon GobyOcellaris ClownfishPajama CardinalfishPercula ClownfishRoyal Gramma

Do not mix with

  • Maroon Clownfish: Maroon Clownfish is aggressive and will bully peaceful Purple Firefish.
  • Blue Devil Damselfish: Blue Devil Damselfish is aggressive and will bully peaceful Purple Firefish.
  • Domino Damselfish: Domino Damselfish is aggressive and will bully peaceful Purple Firefish.
  • Orchid Dottyback: Orchid Dottyback is aggressive and will bully peaceful Purple Firefish.

Questions

What size tank does a Purple Firefish need?

At least 30 gallons. Adults grow to about 3.5 inches, so plan for the adult size, not the size at the store.

What temperature does a Purple Firefish like?

75 to 80 degrees Fahrenheit, with a pH of about 8.1 to 8.4. A steady temperature matters more than hitting one exact number.

How many Purple Firefish should I keep together?

One is fine. If you keep more, keep one male, since males fight each other.

What do Purple Firefish eat?

Frozen mysis, brine shrimp, small marine pellets. Feed twice a day: a small pinch they finish in about 2 minutes.

Sources

Checked against these sources on 2026-11-10. When sources disagree we use the safer number.